2021

Can I let you in on a real estate secret? Winter is kind of the best time to list your home. I know that’s probably the opposite of what you’ve heard about the best time to list, but it’s true! There’s a real estate myth out there that says winter is a bad time to sell because of the weather and the holidays and that instead you should wait and sell in the spring. This myth is actually what makes...

Today we’re going to talk about one thing you can do to really interest buyers in your home. That thing? Staging! Staging is so important for sellers for so many reasons. But first, let’s talk a little about what staging is. In real estate, staging is redecorating your house so the “stage” is set for a potential buyer. You can do staging yourself for free or bring in professionals, who...

Whether you’re building a new house or remodeling your current property, you want to make sure it appeals to potential buyers. But all the trends can be confusing, and sometimes it seems like they change overnight. Here are some of the top features that experts recommend working into your property to get buyers really excited.   Energy Efficient Upgrades Buyers are becoming more and more climate...

Once again, it’s seeming like homeownership is the right move for a lot of people, especially for renters. When the pandemic hit, rents decreased for many people. But now that things are returning to normal, rents are on the rise. In some places, rent has increased more than 40% since the beginning of the pandemic. If you’re a renter, this can turn into a serious problem. You might think everything...

When you’re getting ready to sell your home, you’re always on the lookout for ways to increase your home’s value and get more money in your pocket. There’s the old standbys, of course, like the kitchen remodel, updating the backyard, redoing the bathrooms. But there’s one quick fix that can seriously boost your home’s value: paint! A recent study by Zillow found that buyers were willing to...

You’re buying a home, you’re likely going to pay some closing costs. And bad news, those closing costs can pack a wallop. Typical closing costs can range depending on the home’s purchase price. For a $350,000, you could pay anywhere from $5,000 and up. Closing costs for the buyer usually consist of the following: - Homeowners insurance - Lender’s fees including loan origination/underwriting...

Hi everyone! Today we’re going to talk about whether it’s better to move or refinance your current house.   Before we get into how you would make this decision, let’s do a quick refresher on what a mortgage refinance is. Right now, you pay your mortgage every month, right? A part of your payment goes towards your principal (aka the actual loan amount of your house) and another part goes...

When you’re buying or selling a home, hearing the words “appraisal gap” can make you shudder. An appraisal gap can make the difference between a successful sale or the deal falling through completely. But how does an appraisal gap happen and what can you do to avoid it as a buyer or seller? When you put your home on the market, you list it at a certain price. Let’s say you put it on the market for...

Kitchens sell homes, it’s true. But bathrooms can really impact a buyer’s perception of the home. It’s always so funny to me when I show a house and the kitchen is beautifully updated, only to have the bathrooms show the age of the home. Instead of letting your bathrooms date your home, age-proof them with some easy updates. Spruce up the shower. Install a handheld showerhead to get the most...

I just love the crisp days, falling leaves, and all the fun activities that fall brings. And it’s also a great time to get your house prepped for the winter. A little bit of fall home maintenance can make your holidays way less stressful. Here’s what I recommend. 1. Check for air leaks before the cold sets in. A really good way to have a sky-high heating bill is to have a leaky home. Check your...